Plant these spring ideas

SPRING INTO IT: This spring even the most novice gardeners can give it a go for the positive health and environmental benefits.

Spring has finally arrived and it’s time to think plants and gardening. But where to start? Angie Thomas, Horticulture Consultant to Yates, foresees these spring gardening trends.

Real indoor plants set to replace plastic: This year, we’ll see the trend of plastic indoor plants diminish (thankfully!) as people become more aware of the many benefits real plants bring to the indoors. They’re great for our health thanks to their ability to absorb harmful toxins from the air. Hard to get indoor plants like Pilea peperomioides, watermelon peperomia and variegated monstera will be the hottest indoor plants this year.

More of us will ‘give it a go’ for the sake of health and environment: This spring, we’ll see more people grow their own food, regardless of how much experience they have in the garden, for the positive health and environmental benefits (from fighting the war on waste to knowing what you’re putting in your belly).

Succulents will grow in popularity thanks to easy care: Low maintenance succulents will be amongst the best sellers this spring with many gardeners grouping them together in pots and flower beds for a wonderful display of colours, leaf shapes and texture. Inside, try potting small succulents such as panda plant, hens-and-chicks or cacti in shallow trays or troughs, surrounded by decorative pebbles and then get creative with your placement of candles, mini lanterns or fairy lights.

Creatively embracing small gardens: From vertical gardens to hanging pots and wall planters, even the smallest of spaces will be [creatively] transformed. We’ll also see clever use of upcycled materials to grow house plants - from teapots to jars to preloved furniture.

Organic gardening: At Yates, we are experiencing increased demand for organic gardening products. Gardeners will also focus more on improving soil health by using organic fertilisers, making their own compost, encouraging earthworms and using organic mulches.

More green time and less screen time: A national survey commissioned by Yates found four out of 10 Aussies admit they wish they had more time to spend outdoors with loved ones. Thirty-five per cent of those surveyed said getting outdoors in their own backyards was a way to unwind and destress.

Low maintenance succulents will be amongst the best sellers this spring with many gardeners grouping them together in pots and flower beds